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The sleek profile of a dolphin's silver dorsal fin cutting through green saltwater makes young children and grownups alike stop and take notice. Finding these curious marine mammals in Florida is as easy as finding saltwater -- and as hard as waiting for the right moment. Fortunately for travelers with limited time and resources, the Fort Pierce area has multiple opportunities for watching these awe-inspiring animals in action.

Look But Don't Touch

In Florida, the predominant dolphin seen is the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. This mammal is found in any saltwater body in the state and is protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. This act makes it illegal to feed, hug, harass, or in any way alter the natural behavior of wild dolphins. For this reason, only research facilities may offer "swim with dolphin" encounters. More common is the dolphin sightseeing trip, which allow people to see the dolphin in its natural environments.

From Shore

It is possible to see dolphins from marinas, sea walls and beaches in Fort Pierce, but his practice requires time or luck, or a bit of both. Look for a triangular fin cutting through the surface of the water: This is the dolphin's dorsal fin. When hunting, dolphin might chase fish along sea walls or wait for them on an incoming or outgoing current under a bridge -- the pilons create a swirl that attracts fish. There are no "secret" places in Fort Pierce to see dolphin: The municipal marina, either of the two causeways and bridges to either Fort Pierce Inlet State Park or South Causeway Park, and even a seawall along a backyard make equally good dolphin sightseeing opportunities.

Typical Weather

Fort Pierce, Florida in

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The temperature in Fort Pierce, Florida in November tends to be very predictable, so you can generally count on the forecast and travel light.

The temperature in Fort Pierce, Florida in November is somewhat unpredictable, so be on the safe side and prepare for a variety of conditions.

The temperature in Fort Pierce, Florida in November is highly unpredictable, so use the forecast as a guide, but be ready for anything!

On a Boat

Because sitting on a seawall waiting for a pod of dolphin to swim by takes more patience and time than many people have, dolphin sightseeing tours are an alternative. These boats have the ability to move with the dolphin or travel from place to place if the captain doesn't see dolphin in one area. Several companies operate out of the Fort Pierce area, although none guarantee dolphin sightings.

Misconceptions

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins have the intelligence of a small child. They also can see just as well out of the water as they can in the water, which means that if you can see a dolphin's eye, it can see you. Some tour operators tell passengers that whistling, clapping or cheering will attract dolphin, but no scientific evidence exists to support this. Dolphin are, however, curious by nature, and in Fort Pierce, they are used to seeing these sightseeing boats and will not shy away from the boats unless they are traveling or hunting.

Pricing and Gratuities

While there is no charge to watch dolphins on land, sightseeing boats will charge between $20 and $40, as of 2011. These prices typically include the tour and on-board educational materials such as wildlife identification guides. Some cruises provide water and soft drinks while others have coolers stocked with ice. All the sightseeing boats in Fort Pierce accept and depend on gratuities; the amount by the level of service you feel you've received.

About the Author

Cathy Salustri started writing professionally in 1995. Salustri's work about Floridana, tourism and the environment appears in the "Gabber," "Southwinds Sailing" and Visit Florida Web and print publications. She is pursuing a Master of Arts in Florida studies at the University of South Florida, focusing on historic Florida tourist attractions.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.